How hard it is to be humble? 07-06-09

CAROLE BELL

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, July 5, 2009

Do you remember the first day you discovered that your child might be gifted in some way? Perhaps she began to walk before eight months, and you realized all her peers were just mastering the crawl. Or, perhaps, your two-year-old read a book to you that you knew he had not memorized. Or, at the age of three, your daughter surprised you by adding two-digit numbers in her head.

Usually, the first reaction of a parent who discovers giftedness is, "Wow!" The next action is to call the grandparents. Then the amazed parent makes videos, searches the Internet to read about giftedness, drops small (or large) hints to friends and congratulates himself for having birthed and reared such a gifted child. Finally, the parent may seek confirmation and advice from experts. Phew!

It's heady stuff. It would be very easy for parents and the gifted child to become prideful. God warned us about pride: "This is what the Lord says, 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches.' " Jeremiah 9:23.

How does a parent remain humble and teach his gifted child humility? It all goes back to realizing that giftedness in any area is truly a gift from God. It is not earned through some kind of effort on the part of the parent or child. Even intellectual gifts are bestowed by God across economic, racial and cultural lines. Abraham Lincoln was born into the most humble, backwoods home, yet his giftedness was apparent at a very early age. It thrived despite the fact that he did not receive the kind of help and encouragement available to gifted children today.

So, if you have discovered that you have a gifted child, get down on your knees and thank God - for the gift and for trusting you to parent such a child. Then, daily seek his guidance as you bring up your child to reach the full potential of what God has planned for him.

To put it all in perspective, listen as Jeremiah continues: "but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord . . ." Jeremiah 9:24a

If you have your outlook right, it will trickle down to your gifted child, and humility will make living with giftedness much easier.

(Carole A. Bell is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a retired public school educator and counselor.)